In the general election on November 7, 2017, Democratic nominee Ralph Northam defeated Republican nominee Ed Gillespie winning by the largest margin for the Democrat since 1985. Northam will become the 73rd governor of Virginia, and take office on January 13, 2018.[3]

The race has been closely watched by national observers. For Republicans, National Review wrote that Gillespie’s campaign was an important example of whether and how mainstream Republican politics can produce victories in a purple state in the “era of Trumpism“, and said that the outcome would affect Republican strategies in future races.[65] Democrats have stated a view that the election is a test of whether the party can find its way after losing the 2016 presidential election and several subsequent special elections.[66]NBC News reported that Northam was the “hand-picked” choice of outgoing Governor Terry McAuliffe, and that McAuliffe’s legacy and potential 2020 presidential aspirations depended on Northam winning the election.[citation needed]

Polls for the general election have varied significantly, ranging from a 17-point lead for Ralph Northam on one end to an 8-point lead for Ed Gillespie on the other end, with most polls showing the race within or close to the margin of error. Politicoreported that the wide variation in polling numbers was likely due to differences in methodology among the polls.[203] Polls tightened significantly in the last two weeks of the campaign, with several showing the race tied or within the margin of error.[204][205][206]